Let the games begin: 272 Philippine athletes to chase Asian medals

The bulk of the Philippine delegation left for Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday in time for Saturday’s glitzy opening ceremonies of the 2018 Asian Games.

WHERE HEROES ARE MADE. The 17-day 2018 Asian Games, officially known as the 18th Asian Games, begins today in clinquant opening ceremonies at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (above) in Jakarta, with 272 athletes from the Philippines (above) high in hope they would do the tricolors and their countrymen proud, and improve on their 22nd ranking in the 2014 Games in Incheon, South Korea. AFP, Contributed Photo

Sports officials made no predictions on how far the Philippines and its 272 athletes could go in the games featuring Asia’s best athletes.
For President Rodrigo Duterte, members of the delegation are already heroes in his eyes, urging them to do their best, fair and square in the games slated from Aug. 18 to Sept. 3.
“Sa pananaw ng presidente, they are already heroes, for as long as they do their best,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, who encouraged the athletes to dream of the Olympics and a medal when they compete in the games.
“All 272 athletes have that dream when they prepare. What we can do is hope and pray that they will do their best,” added Ramirez.
Sports officials are also hoping the Philippines will show improvement, after winning a gold, three silvers, and 11 bronze medals the last time around in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
This ranked the Philippines 22nd out of the 37 participating countries.
Officials feel that the Philippines will be strong in martial arts, like jiu-jitsu, boxing, and judo.

WHERE HEROES ARE MADE. The 17-day 2018 Asian Games, officially known as the 18th Asian Games, begins today in clinquant opening ceremonies at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (above) in Jakarta, with 272 athletes from the Philippines (uppemost photo) high in hope they would do the tricolors and their countrymen proud, and improve on their 22nd ranking in the 2014 Games in Incheon, South Korea. AFP, Contributed Photo

But all eyes will still be on the basketball team, which will be bannered by Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Jordan Clarkson, who was given a one-time approval by the NBA to suit up for the Philippines in the Asiad.

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